Disinfection
Disinfection is usually synonymous with
chlorination. That is because chlorine addition is
by far the most common form of disinfection used
today. In this section, the main emphasis will be on
chlorination: how it works, safety, types of chlorine,
basic chemistry of chlorine and an introduction to
CT values.
WHAT IS DISINFECTION?
Disinfection is the process of killing microorganisms
in water that might cause disease (pathogens).
Disinfection, however, should not be confused with
sterilization which is the destruction of all
microorganisms. Disinfection is concerned only with
killing pathogens.
Types of Disinfection
Disinfection can be accomplished by a variety of
methods. Some are more economical, convenient
or easier to apply than others while some are
extremely hazardous. But all methods will fall into
one of the following types:
1. Heat treatment
2. Radiation treatment
3. Chemical treatment
Heat treatment is probably the oldest form of
disinfection known. This method consists of
bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute.
Boiling is used to disinfect water at campsites and
when local health agencies issue a boil water advisory
as a precautionary measure when water systems
become contaminated. It is very effective for
disinfecting small quantities of water.
Another means of disinfection is by radiation, which
is usually accomplished with ultraviolet (UV) light.
UV light works by subjecting water to light rays as
water passes through a tube. There are two main
drawbacks to the use of UV light. One is that
interfering agents such as turbidity can screen
pathogens from the UV light. The second
disadvantage is that no residual is present in the
water to continue disinfecting throughout the
Water System Training Course: Disinfection
distribution system. For this reason, the Health
Division requires that chlorination be added when
UV light is used.
The third means of disinfection is by far the most
commonly used: chemical treatment. This includes
iodine, ozone and, of course, chlorine.
Iodine is not as cost effective as chlorine and
therefore is normally used as an emergency treatment
for small contaminated water systems. Over the long
term, consumption may adversely effect some
people. In Oregon there are only a handful of small
systems that use iodine as a continual disinfection
treatment.
Ozone is a strong disinfecting agent and is also used
for control of taste and odor. Ozone is unstable and
disappears quickly which means no residual is
present. Ozone disinfection is recognized under the
Surface Water Treatment Rule as a primary
disinfectant, although chlorine is still required to
maintain a residual in the distribution system.
CHLORINATION
Chlorination is by far the most widely used form of
disinfection. Chlorine is also used as an oxidizing
agent for iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide and
for controlling taste and odors. Its effectiveness as a
disinfecting agent depends on factors such as pH,
temperature, free chlorine residual, contact time and
other interfering agents.
Forms of Chlorine
Calcium hypochlorite is the solid form of chlorine,
usually found in the tablet or powder form, and
contains 65% chlorine by weight. It is white or
yellowish-white granular material and is fairly
soluble in water. It is important to keep calcium
hypochlorite in a dry, cool place. When mixing,
always add the calcium hypochlorite to the correct
volume of water.
Sodium hypochlorite is the liquid form of chlorine. It
is clear and has a slight yellow color. Ordinary
4-1
household bleach (5.25% chlorine by solution) is
the most common form of sodium hypochlorite.
Industrial strength is available at 12% and 15%
solutions. Sodium hypochlorite can lose up to 4%
of its available chlorine content per month and
therefore should not be stored for more than 60 to
90 days. Sodium hypochlorite is also very corrosive
and should be stored and mixed away from
equipment.

Chlorine gas is usually used only on relatively large

water systems. Smaller systems may find the initial
cost of operation prohibitive. Chlorine gas is also
dangerous and may even be fatal when directly
inhaled. At room temperature, chlorine gas has a
yellow-green color and is heavier than air. Chlorine
gas is 99.5% pure chlorine.

Chloramination is the process of adding chlorine

and ammonia to water. The chlorine reacts with the
ammonia to form chloramines. Chloramines have
two advantages to regular chlorination. For systems
with extensive distribution systems, chloramines
produce a longer lasting chlorine residual.
Chloramination also may produce fewer by-products
depending on the application. The chemistry of
should stand for 24 hours and then be pumped to
chloramination is beyond the scope of this text.
waste.
Applications of Chlorine Well diameter, inches Gallons/foot of depth
Chlorine disinfection is used both on a continuous 4 0.65
and on an occasional basis. Continuous disinfection
6 1.5
is used to treat water at all times, primarily surface
water systems which may be exposed to pathogenic 8 2.6
organisms. Occasionally, systems may experience 10 4.1
bacterial growth in a well or distribution system or 12 5.9
may need to disinfect a new line or well prior to use. 14 8.0
They may need only to apply a single dose (25-200
ppm); this is called shock or batch chlorination. Disinfection of Water Lines
OHD rules require disinfection after the installation
Disinfection of Wells of new lines or repairs to old lines. A solution of at
Occasionally groundwater systems will need to least 25 ppm chlorine shall be injected into the line
chlorinate to eliminate organisms which may have with no less than 10 ppm free chlorine residual
entered through the source. The Division measured after a minimum of 24 hours. For each
recommends that a solution consisting of 50 ppm 100 gallons of water in a pipe, add one cup of 5%
chlorine be introduced into the well. This solution bleach to achieve a disinfection dose of 25 ppm. To

Water System Training Course: Disinfection 4-2

calculate the volume of water in a section of pipe,
use the following table:

Main diameter, inches Gallons/foot of length

2 0.16
4 0.65
6 1.5
8 2.6
10 4.1
12 5.9

Example: Let’s say you just installed 290 feet of 4"

main. Before putting it into service, it needs to be
disinfected. Calculate the volume of water in gallons
from the above table.
One foot of 4" pipe contains 0.65 gallons of water per
foot of length. Therefore: 0.65 x 290 = 190 gallons.
Since this is about 200 gallons, you would need to
add two cups of 5% bleach to disinfect the line.
Again, follow disinfection with a water quality test
for coliform bacteria after flushing the highly
chlorinated water from the main.
Continuous chlorination
Generally, water from deep wells is free from
pathogenic organisms. But other sources of
water--shallow wells, streams, lakes and many
springs--are open to pathogen contamination. To
produce safe water from these sources, disinfection
is needed. For surface water sources, filtration and
chlorination are used in combination as a double
barrier treatment.
Some systems that have deep, protected wells also
chlorinate on a continuous basis. This provides a
safety factor in case a problem such as a main break
or cross connection occurs. It also controls
bacteriological growth in the distribution system.
Continuous chlorination is usually applied through
an injection (feed) pump (Fig. 4-2). The residual is
much lower than the shock chlorination dose,
generally in the 0.5 - 1.0 ppm range.
USING CHLORINE
Chlorine can be added to water in either gas, liquid
or solid form. There are three methods of chlorine
injection.
1. Gas chlorinators are typically used in
relatively large water systems. While they
may be appropriate for large systems (because
of application rates and cost), gas chlorinators
are more expensive initially to install and
require more maintenance than
hypochlorinators (liquid chlorinators). In
addition, gas chlorine is dangerous and can
even be fatal when directly inhaled. Rigorous
safety precautions must be taken when
working with chlorine in gas form.
2. Erosion chlorinators (Fig. 4-3) are typically
used in small water systems where flow is
relatively small or a power source may not be
available.
They are easily maintained but keeping a
consistent residual may be difficult. Solid
chlorine tablets are placed in a dispenser and
eroded by the flow of water.
3. Liquid chlorinators (hypochlorinators) are
typically used by small- to medium-sized water

All systems which use continuous chlorination must

record the free chlorine residual daily. These results
do not have to be reported to the Division but should
be available for review during field inspections.

Water System Training Course: Disinfection 4-3


Photo 4-1. Chlorination setup for the
injection of calcium hypochlorite solution.
systems. They consist of a chemical feed pump
which injects a chlorine solution into a water
transmission line. Hypochlorinators can be
powered by electricity or water flow.
Liquid chlorine solutions can be made up of either
purchased liquid chlorine or by dissolving chlorine
powder in water. Liquid chlorine ranges in
concentration strength from 5% available chlorine
(in regular household bleach) to 12-15% available
chlorine. Due to the limited shelf life of chlorine,
do not- store it longer than a few months.
Powdered chlorine is about 70% chlorine by weight.
It is commonly called HTH (high-test hypochlorite).
Powdered chlorine is stable, losing only 3-5% of its
strength per year. This means that a water system
can stock powdered chlorine for longer periods of
time than liquid chlorine. In terms of effectiveness,
there is no difference between using liquid or
powdered chlorine.
Safety and maintenance tips
1. For hypochlorinators:
a. Always add chlorine chemical
(concentrated liquid or powder) to water,
Water System Training Course: Disinfection
not water to chemical.
b. Use muriatic acid to clean chlorine spills.
c. Keep chlorine dry. Do not put wet dippers
into chlorine powder containers.
d. Wear protective clothing including
gloves.
2. For gas chlorinators
a. Make sure your chlorine room has an
adequate exhaust fan which is operable.
Use it whenever you are in the room.
b. Containers should be secured using safety
brackets or chains.
c. Work in pairs when changing gas
cylinders.
d. Keep a self-contained breathing
apparatus handy and ready to use (not in
the chlorine room).
e. Replace piping and equipment (such as
pigtails) often, before failures occur.
f. Chlorine gas is heavier than air. If you
are in a room with a chlorine gas leak,
keep your head high to breathe. Chlorine
gas can be fatal.
g. Installation must be in accordance with
the occupational safety and health
requirements (OR-OSHA.)
CHEMISTRY OF CHLORINATION
As we discussed in the previous section, chlorine
can be added as sodium hypochlorite, calcium
hypochlorite or chlorine gas. When any of these is
added to water, chemical reactions occur as these
equations show:
Cl 2 + H 2O HOCI + HCI
(chlorine gas) (water) (hypochlorous acid) (hydrchloric acid)
CaOCI + H 2 O 2HOCI + Ca(OH)
(calcium hypochlorite) (water) (hypochlorous acid) (calcium hydroxide)
NaOCI + H2O HOCI + Na(OH)
(sodium hypochlorite) (water) (hypochlorous acid) (sodium hydroxide)
All three forms of chlorine produce hypochlorous
acid (HOCl) when added to water. Hypochlorous
acid is a weak acid but a strong disinfecting agent.
The amount of hypochlorous acid depends on the
pH and temperature of the water.
Under normal water conditions, hypochlorous acid
will also chemically react and break down into a
hypochlorite ion (OCl-):
4-4
 HOCI H+ + OCI -
(hypochlorous acid) (hydrogen) (hypochlorite ion)
The hypochlorite ion is a much weaker disinfecting
agent than hypochlorous acid, about 100 times less
effective.
Let’s now look at how pH and temperature affect
the ratio of hypochlorous acid to hypochlorite ions.
As can be seen from the graph (Fig. 4-4), at a pH of
about 7.5, the ratio is approximately 50-50. As the
temperature is decreased, the ratio of hypochlorous
acid increases. Temperature plays a small part in the
acid ratio. Although the ratio of hypochlorous acid
is greater at lower temperatures, pathogenic
organisms are actually harder to kill. All other things
being equal, higher water temperatures and a lower
pH are more conducive to chlorine disinfection.
Types of Residual
If water were pure, the measured amount of chlorine
in the water should be the same as the amount added.
But water is not 100% pure. There are always other
substances (interfering agents) such as iron,
manganese, turbidity, etc., which will combine
chemically with the chlorine. This is called the
chlorine demand. Naturally, once chlorine molecules
are combined with these interfering agents they are
not capable of disinfection. It is free chlorine that is
much more effective as a disinfecting agent.
So let’s look now at how free, total and combined
chlorine are related. When a chlorine residual test
is taken, either a total or a free chlorine residual can
be read. Total residual is all chlorine that is available
for disinfection.
Total chlorine residual = free + combined chlorine residual
Water System Training Course: Disinfection
But remember that free chlorine residual is a much
stronger disinfecting agent. Therefore, the Health
Division requires that your daily chlorine residual
readings be of free chlorine residual.
Now let’s examine how residuals change as chlorine
is added to water. From the graph (Fig. 4-5), we can
see that as chlorine is initially added, it is used up
by interfering agents. This is the section between
graph points 1 and 2. Here, no chlorine residuals
form and little or no disinfection occurs. Gradually,
as more chlorine is added, the measured total
chlorine residual increases between points 2 and 3.
In this region, chlorine reacts with organics and
ammonia and is all combined chlorine residual. Due
to chemical reactions between points 3 and 4, the
actual total residual decreases. It is in this area that
most taste and odor problems occur, with many
people complaining of a strong swimming pool smell.
The solution is to increase the chlorine dose. This
may seem contradictory but once you get beyond
point 4, the residual becomes all free chlorine. Point
4 is called break-point chlorination because this is
where any added chlorine is in the form of free
chlorine residual.
Measuring Chlorine Residual
Chlorine residual is the amount of chlorine
remaining in water which can be used for
disinfection. A convenient, simple and inexpensive
way to measure chlorine residual is to use a small
portable kit with pre-measured packets of chemicals
which are added to water. (Make sure you buy a test
kit using the DPD method, and not the outdated
orthotolodine method.)
4-5
Chlorine test kits are very useful in adjusting the
chlorine dose you apply. You can measure what
chlorine levels are being found in your system
(especially at the far ends).
Free chlorine residuals need to be checked and
recorded daily. These results do not need to be
submitted to the Health Division but should be kept
on file for inspection during a regular field visit.
Chlorination Systems and Contact lime
Under current rules, groundwater systems that use
continuous chlorination must meet 30 minutes of
contact time (Fig. 4-6). This can be achieved
through distribution storage before the first customer
or with the addition of storage (Fig. 4-7). To
calculate contact time, you will need to know both
the maximum anticipated water demand (gpm) and
the volume of water between the chlorinator and
the first water user (this includes reservoirs and
piping). The volume of water in a main can be
calculated by the following equation:
1. Volume (gals.) = 23.5 × (radius of pipe in feet) × main
2 Radius = 4" = 0.333 feet
length (feet)
Contact time can then be calculated as follows:
2. Contact time (minutes) = Volume (gallons)
Flow (gpm)
Water System Training Course: Disinfection
If the value you calculate is less than 30 minutes,
watch out! That’s not enough to insure safe
disinfection. Example:
Length of main = 200 feet
Diameter of main = 8”
Radius = 4" = 0.333 feet
Flow rate = 100 gpm
Using equation 1 from above:
Volume = 23.5 × (0.333)2 × 200 = 522 gallons
To calculate the contact time use equation 2:
Contact time = 522 gallons = 5.22 minutes
100 gpm
The system is below the allowable 30 minute contact
time. The options are either moving the chlorinator
or adding storage to increase contact time. Example:
Reservoir size = 40,000 gallons
Length of main = 200 feet
Diameter of main = 8"
As we will see in the section on effective storage
capacity, the actual effective storage due to short
circuiting is about 10% of the reservoir size (a tracer
study may be performed to determine the actual
contact time through the reservoir). For this
example, we will assume 10% of the reservoir size
for effective storage capacity or 4,000 gallons. Since
the length and diameter of the main are the same as
the previous example, we know there are 522 gallons
of storage in the main. We also need to add the
reservoir storage:
Total storage = 522 gallons + 4,000 gallons = 4,522 gallons
Again using equation 2 from above to calculate
contact time:
Contact time = 4,522 gallons = 45 minutes
100 gpm
With the addition of the 40,000 gallon reservoir,
the system now meets the required 30 minute
contact time.
Chlorination Calculations
One of the common questions pertaining to the
introduction of chlorine into a system is how much
4-6
chlorine is needed, or the ratio of chlorine to water,
to obtain a desired residual in the system. To answer
this question, you will need to know the flow rate of
the system, the desired chlorine residual, the strength
of the solution being injected and the pump rate.
1. The flow rate of a system is generally the
measured output of a well for groundwater
systems or the filtration rate for surface water
systems. It is expressed in gallons per day or
gallons per minute. To use the following
equations, flow should be expressed as gallons
per minute (gpm).
2. The chlorine residual that is desired in the
system varies. Some systems prefer to keep
the free chlorine residual at detectable limits
(around 0.2 ppm), while others prefer a
stronger residual (0.5-2.0). Typically, systems
run between 0.2 to 0.5 ppm.
3. The solution strength refers to the chlorine
concentration that is being fed into the water
line.
4. The chemical feed pump rate can be read
from the pump setting and generally will
range from 1 to 10. Chlorine feeder pumps
should be calibrated occasionally to assure
accurate readings.
Typically, the system flow rate, desired chlorine
residual and the pump feed rate are known which
leaves only the solution strength to be calculated.
The following examples will help to illustrate how
to calculate chlorine concentrations.
Concentration Units
Chlorine concentrations can be expressed as a
percent (%) or as parts-per-million (ppm). One
percent chlorine dose is equivalent to 10,000 ppm.
So regular household bleach which is 5.25% chlorine
solution has about 52,500 ppm.
1% = 10,000 ppm or 1 ppm = 0.0001%
Chemical feed equation;
CF × QF = CS × QS
(Feed concentration) (Feed flow) (System chlorine dose)
Both sides of the equation must match; if you use
ppm for the system chlorine dose (CS), then the feed
concentration (CF) must also be in ppm. Likewise,
both the feed flow (QF) and the system flow (QS)
Water System Training Course: Disinfection
need to be in the same units (either gallons per
minute (gpm) or gallons per day (gpd)).
Example 1:
Feed solution: 5% bleach
Desired chlorine dose: 1 ppm
System flow: 120 gpm (flow when system runs)
Find: At what flow should the feed pump be set?
Equation: CF × QF = CS × QS
CF = 5% (10,000 ppm/%) = 50,000 ppm
QF = unknown
CS = 1 ppm
QS = 120 gpm (1440 gpm/ 1 gpd) = 172,800 gpd
Solution:
QF= ( CS × Q5 ) / CF
= ( 1 ppm × 172,800 gpd ) / 50,000 ppm
QF= 3.5 gallons / day
In this example, 3.5 gallons per day of 5% bleach
must be injected into the system to achieve a 1.0
ppm continuous dose in the effluent water.
How does this relate to the mixture in the solution
tank? Let’s assume that the feed pump is set for 10
gpd. This can be checked by calibrating the pump.
Since we know we need 3.5 gallons of the chlorine
solution per day, the rest of the 10 gallons will be
the mix water.
Gallons of chlorine per day + gallons of water = pump setting
3.5 gallons per day + gallons of water = 10 gallons per day
Therefore 6.5 gallons of water must be added to 3.5
gallons of chlorine to achieve 10 gallons per day of
solution feed.
Example 2:
Feed solution: 5% bleach
Desired chlorine dose: 0.4 ppm
System flow: 100 gpm
Chlorine pump rate: 10 gpd = 0.0075 gpm
Find: What should be the ratio of chlorine to water
in the solution tank?
(Flow)
CF= unknown
QF= 10 gpd
CS= 0.4 ppm
QS= 100 gpm (1440 gpm / 1 gpd) = 144,000 gpd
4-7
Solution:
CF = (CS × CIS) / QF
= (0.4 ppm × 144,000 gpd) / 10 gpd
CF = 5,760 ppm
If the feed concentration must be 5,760 ppm, then
the following equation must be used:
(feed conc.)×(X gallons solution) = (Cl2 conc.) × (1 gal. H2O)
(5,760 ppm)×(X gallons solution) = (50,000 ppm) × (1 gallon)
X gallons solution = 8.7
Therefore, a solution mix of 7.7 gallons water and 1
gallon chlorine for a total of 8.7 gallons of solution
fed at a rate of 10 gpd will result in a free chlorine
residual of 0.4 ppm.
Calculating CT
Under the Surface Water Treatment Rule, surface
water systems or groundwater systems under the
direct influence of surface water must calculate a
value known as CT (C represents concentration of
free chlorine residual in mg/1 and T is contact time
in minutes). This value is used to illustrate the
effectiveness of chlorine to inactivate Giardia cysts.
Given the water quality parameters (temperature,
free chlorine residual at first user, pH, along with
chlorine contact time), the system must compute
its actual CT. This can be calculated fairly easy using
the following equation:
CT = Concentration of free chlorine residual (mg/l) ×
contactTime (min.)
Once the actual CT is calculated, this number
must be compared to a minimum CT value set by
EPA.
To best illustrate the computation of CT values, we
Water System Training Course: Disinfection
will go through a couple of examples. The first is an
unfiltered surface supply as shown below (Fig. 4-8).
Water quality parameters:
pH=7.0
Temperature = 5° C
Contact time (based on flow) = 80 minutes
Free chlorine residual at first customer = 0.6 mg/l
To compute the actual CT, we will use the formula
given above:
CT = Concentration X time
= 0.6 mg/l X 80 minutes
= 48
From the given water quality parameters, use
Appendix Table 4-2 in the appendix. As an
unfiltered water source, the system is required to
achieved a 3-log removal/inactivation of Giardia
cysts, a 99.9% reduction. Therefore, from the tables:
Required CT = CT99.9 = 143
The ratio of the actual CT (CTCALC) to the required
CT (CT99.9) must be greater than or equal to 1.0 to
ensure adequate disinfection.
CTCALC / CT99.9 = 48/143 = 0.34
Since 0.34 < 1.0, this system fails to comply with
the required level of disinfection needed to satisfy
the SWTR in its present configuration. There are
several options available to the system that enhance
the disinfection process.
1. Increase the free chlorine residual: One
option to increase the actual CT is to increase
the free chlorine residual dose so as to obtain
a measured residual of 1.2 mg/1 at the first
customer. Then, recalculate the disinfection
CT values.
Actual CT= CTCALC = Concentration × Time
= 1.2 mg/l × 80 minutes
= 96
With pH = 7.0, temperature = 5° C and chlorine
residual to the first customer = 1.2 mg/l, Appendix
Table 4-2 gives the required CT value.
Required CT = CT99.9 = 152
Therefore,
CTCALC/ CT99.9 = 96/152 = 0.63
4-8
In this case, doubling the free chlorine residual alone
does not provide the required level of disinfection
necessary to achieve 3log removal/inactivation of
Giardia cysts. In fact, for this example, it would
require a free chlorine residual greater than 2.0 mg/
1 to achieve the 3-log reduction. A second option
should be investigated.
2. Adding storage for extra contact time prior
to the first customer: From the previous
example, a large reservoir has been installed
prior to the first customer (Fig. 4-9) to
achieve longer contact times. A tracer study
has been done between the free chlorine
injection point, through the reservoir and
prior to the first customer. The results
determine that the available contact time =
240 minutes. The free chlorine residual at the
first customer = 0.6 mgA. Other water quality
parameters remain unchanged.
Actual CT = CTCALC = Concentration × time
= 0.6 mg/l × 240 minutes
= 144
Required CT = CT99.9 = 143
Therefore,
CTCALC / CT99.9= 144/143 = 1.01
Here, the system meets the disinfection level
required to achieve 3-log removal/ inactivation of
Giardia cysts. The next option that could be available
for this water system is adding some form of
additional treatment.
3. Adding filtration to the treatment process
(Fig. 4-10) reduces the reliance on
disinfection to achieve the full removal/
Water System Training Course: Disinfection
inactivation of Giardia cysts. Instead,
filtration and disinfection combine to form a
multiple barrier approach which together will
achieve the necessary reduction of cysts. The
figure below shows that a conventional rapid
sand filtration plant has now been installed
in the system followed by injection of free
chlorine with a contact time through a
clearwell of 35 minutes (as determined by a
tracer study).
Section 5.5.2 of the SWTR guidance manual lists
expected log removals for each type of treatment
technique and the necessary log removals needed
through disinfection to achieve an overall 3-log
reduction of Giardia cysts. For this example,
conventional rapid sand filtration is credited with a
2.5-log removal/inactivation level. Therefore, a
0.5-log reduction is required from disinfection.
With pH = 7.0 and temp. = 5°C;
Actual CT = CTCALC = Concentration × time
= 0.6 mg/l × 35 minutes
= 21
Required CT = CT68 (FOR 0.5-log reduction) = 24
Therefore,
CTCALC / CT68 = 21/24 = 0.88
At this point, the system will not meet the required
overall level of 3.0-log removal/ inactivation for
Giardia cysts. However, increasing the free chlorine
residual to the first customer and/or increasing the
contact time through the clearwell should prove
effective. Assuming the same water quality
parameters as before, the free chlorine residual
measured at the first customer is increased to 1.0
mg/1.
4-9
 Actual CT = CTCALC = Concentration × time
= 1.0 mg/l × 35 minutes
= 35
Then, from Appendix Table 4-2,
Required CT = CT68 = 25
CTCALC / CT68 = 35/25 = 1.40
Or, if the clearwell contact time is increased to 50
minutes,
Actual CT = CTCALC = 0.6mg/l X 50 minutes
= 30
Required CT = CT68 = 24
CTCALC / CT68 = 30/24 = 1.25
TRACER STUDIES AND BAFFLING
One aspect of the Surface Water Treatment Rule is
the determination of available disinfectant contact
time. In the past, theoretical detention time was
calculated by dividing storage capacity by the flow
rate. This calculation has proved to be inadequate
due to short-circuiting through the reservoirs.
In order to get a fairly accurate determination of
contact time, a tracer study should be performed. It
is a generally accepted practice to refer to the actual
contact time as 10% of the actual dose applied,
measured at some endpoint. Therefore we will
designate T10 as the detention time.
Conditions Affecting Contact Time
There are two main factors which affect available
contact time: storage capacity and system flow rate.
Although flow through a treatment plant usually
remains fairly constant, clearwells and reservoirs can
alter the flow rate through the system.
Ideally, tracer studies should be performed for four
different flow rates. One at average flow, two greater
Water System Training Course: Disinfection
than average, and one below average. The highest flow
rate should be at least 91% of the greatest flow rate
ever expected to occur. A normalized curve plotting
concentration vs time can be used to find T10.
Unfortunately, not all systems can perform four
tracer studies. Some systems must limit the number
to one. In this case, the flow rate should be no less
than 91% of the greatest flow rate expected. The
actual contact time can then be related by the
following equation:
T10S = T10T × (QT/QD)
where:
T10S = T10 at system flow rate
T10T = T10 at tracer flow rate
QT = tracer study flow rate
QD = system flow rate
Example: Let’s say a tracer study was conducted at a
flow rate of 100 gpm and detention time was found
to be 50 minutes. Let’s also say the flow rate for some
operating day was 120 gpm. Now we need to calculate
the actual effective contact time for this day.
Given:
T10T = 50 minutes
QT = 100 gpm
QD = 120 gpm
T10S = unknown
Using the equation above, the contact time for this
system for this day is:
T10S = 50 × (100/120)
T10S = 41.67 minutes
Other systems may not have the capability to perform
even one tracer study, in which case theoretical
numbers must be used (see the table in the baffling
section) that are generally much more conservative.
4-10
Tracer Study Methods Table 4-1. Baffling
Tracer studies involve some sort of chemical Condition T10
/T Description
injection into the system which can be measured Unbaffled (mixed flow) 0.1 None, agitated basin, very
with common test equipment. The two most (Fig. 4-11 ) low length to width ratio,
high inlet and outlet flow
common methods of tracer injection are the velocities
step-dose and slug-dose. Poor 0.3 Single or multiple unbaffled
inlets and outlets, no intra-
The step-dose method involves injection of a tracer basin baffles
chemical at a constant dose (much as is done by a Average (Fig. 4-12) 0.5 Baffled inlet or outlet with
some intra-basin baffles
chlorine feeder pump). Concentration is measured
Superior (Fig. 4-13) 0.7 Perforated inlet baffle,
at a downstream point until it levels out. The serpentine or perforated
detention time T10 can be found by plotting the intra-basin baffles, outlet
normalized concentration vs time profile. weir or perforated launders
Perfect (plug flow) 1.0 Very high length to width
In the slug-dose method, a large instantaneous dose ratio, (pipeline flow),
perforated inlet, outlet, and
is applied to incoming water, then measured over time intra-basin baffles
as it passes through the system. When 10% of the
applied dose passes the endpoint, that is considered DEFINITIONS:
T10. This method is advantageous in situations where
a continuous feed system is not feasible. 1. Applied chlorine: the total amount of
chlorine added to water (usually expressed in
Types of Tracer Chemicals parts per million or ppm).
Chemical selection is a very important step in a 2. Chlorine demand: Some of the chlorine
tracer study. The chemical should be easy to monitor added will combine with other chemicals in
and acceptable in a potable water supply. the water, such as iron, hydrogen sulfide,
manganese, nitrogen compounds and
Many chemicals have been used in tracer studies. organics. Chlorine demand is that portion of
The most common are chloride, chlorine and the chlorine added which is used up in
fluoride. All are readily available and can be reactions other than disinfection.
measured with common devices. In fact, systems 3. Chlorine residual: The amount of chlorine
using chlorine or adding fluoride after treatment not combined in other reactions and available
have all the necessary equipment to conduct a tracer for disinfection. Total residual is made up of
study. Other chemicals which can be used include
both combined and free residuals.
potassium permanganate,, alum and sodium
carbonate. 4. Total residuals: Total chlorine residuals can
be measured with a chlorine test kit. It is all
Baffling the chlorine available for disinfection
Short circuiting can greatly reduce the disinfection purposes.
contact time, which means the full potential of the 5. Free and combined chlorine residuals: Free
reservoir is not realized. EPA suggests using the chlorine residuals are more effective in
following table to roughly calculate the effective disinfecting water than are combined
disinfection contact time. residuals. Free chlorine can also be measured

Water System Training Course: Disinfection 4-11

 with a chlorine test kit. The amount of
combined residual can be found if both the
total and free chlorine residuals are measured,
by the relationship:
Total chlorine = free chlorine + combined chlorine
6. pH: Better disinfection takes place when the
pH is about 7.5 or lower.
7. Contact time: The amount of time the
chlorine is in contact with the water before
the first customer (usually expressed in
minutes). Contact time should not be
confused with CT. Contact time is one of the
components used to compute CT.
Water System Training Course: Disinfection
REFERENCES
1. Small Water Systems Serving the Public,
Conference of State Sanitary Engineers, 1
Deerfield Drive, Troy, NY 12180, 1979.
2. Manual of Individual Water Supply Systems,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA-430/9-74-007, 1975.
3. Introduction to Water Treatment, Volume 2,
American Water Works Association, 6666
Quincy Ave., Denver, Colorado 80235
4. Assessing Unfiltered Water Supplies, David E.
Leland and Paul A. Berg, American Water
Works Association Journal, January 1988.
5. Small Water System Operation and
Maintenance, California State University,
Hornet Foundation Inc., 1987
4-12
APPENDIX TABLE 4-1.
CT VALUES FOR INACTIVATION OF GIARDIA CYSTS BY FREE CHLORINE AT 0.5° C

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 6 PH = 6.5 PH = 7.0

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 23 46 69 91 114 137 27 54 82 109 136 163 33 65 98 130 163 195

0.6 24 47 71 94 118 141 28 56 84 112 140 168 33 67 100 133 167 200
0.8 24 48 73 97 121 145 29 57 86 115 143 172 34 68 103 137 171 205
1 25 49 74 99 123 148 29 59 88 117 147 176 35 70 I05 140 175 210
1.2 25 51 76 101 127 152 30 60 90 120 I50 180 36 72 108 143 179 215
1.4 26 52 78 103 129 155 31 61 92 123 153 184 37 74 111 147 184 221
1.6 26 52 79 105 131 157 32 63 95 126 158 189 38 75 113 ISI 188 226
1.8 27 54 81 108 135 162 32 64 97 129 161 193 39 77 116 154 193 231
2 28 55 83 110 138 165 33 66 99 131 164 197 39 79 118 157 197 236
2.2 28 56 85 113 141 169 34 67 101 134 168 201 40 81 121 161 202 242
2.4 29 57 86 115 143 172 34 68 103 137 171 205 41 82 124 165 206 247
2.6 29 58 88 117 146 175 35 70 I05 139 174 209 42 84 126 168 210 252
2.8 30 59 89 119 148 178 36 71 107 142 178 213 43 86 129 171 214 257
3 30 60 91 121 151 181 36 82 109 145 181 217 44 87 131 174 218 261

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 7.5 PH = 8.0 PH = 8.5

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
. 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 30

0.4 40 79 119 158 198 237 46 92 139 185 231 277 55 110 165 219 274 329
0.6 40 80 120 159 199 239 48 95 143 191 238 286 57 114 171 228 285 342
0.8 41 82 123 164 205 246 49 98 148 197 246 295 59 118 177 236 295 354
1 42 84 127 169 211 253 51 101 I52 203 253 304 61 122 183 243 304 365
1.2 43 86 130 173 216 259 52 104 157 209 261 313 63 125 188 251 313 376
1.4 44 89 133 177 222 266 54 107 161 214 268 321 65 129 194 258 323 387
1.6 46 91 137 182 228 273 55 110 165 219 274 329 66 132 199 265 331 397
1.8 47 93 140 186 233 279 56 113 169 225 282 338 68 136 204 271 339 407
2 48 95 143 191 238 286 58 II5 173 231 288 346 70 139 209 278 348 417
2.2 50 99 149 198 248 297 59 118 177 235 294 353 71 142 213 284 355 426
2.4 50 99 149 199 248 98 60 120 181 241 301 361 73 145 218 90 363 435
2.6 51 101 152 203 253 304 61 123 184 245 307 368 74 148 222 296 370 444
2.8 52 103 I55 207 258 310 63 125 188 250 313 375 75 151 226 301 377 452
3 53 105 I58 211 263 316 64 127 191 255 318 382 77 153 230 307 383 460

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 9.0

mg/L Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 I.0 I.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 65 130 195 260 325 390

0.6 68 136 204 271 339 407
0.8 70 141 211 281 352 422 Note: CT = CT for 3-log inactivation, or 99.9% removal
1 73 146 219 291 364 437
1.2 75 150 226 301 376 451
1.4 77 155 232 309 387 464
1.6 80 159 239 318 398 477
1.8 82 163 245 326 408 489
2 83 167 250 333 417 500
2.2 85 170 256 341 426 511
24 87 174 261 348 435 522
2.6 89 178 267 355 444 533
2.8 91 181 272 362 453 543
3 92 184 276 368 460 552

Water System Training Course: Disinfection 4-13

APPENDIX TABLE 4-2.
CT VALUES FOR INACTIVATION OF GIARDIA CYSTS BY FREE CHLORINE AT 0.5°
5.0° C

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 6 PH = 6.5 PH = 7.0

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 I.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 16 32 49 65 81 97 20 39 59 78 98 117 23 46 70 93 116 139

0.6 17 33 50 67 83 100 20 40 60 80 100 120 24 48 72 55 119 143
0.8 17 34 52 69 86 103 20 41 61 81 102 122 24 49 73 97 122 146
1 18 35 53 70 88 I05 21 42 63 83 104 125 25 50 75 99 124 149
1.2 18 36 54 71 89 107 21 42 64 85 106 127 25 51 76 101 127 I52
1.4 18 36 55 73 91 109 22 43 65 87 108 130 26 52 78 103 129 I55
1.6 19 37 56 74 93 111 22 44 66 88 110 132 26 53 79 I05 132 158
1.8 19 38 57 76 95 114 23 45 68 90 113 135 27 54 81 108 135 162
2 19 39 58 77 97 116 23 46 69 92 115 138 28 55 83 110 138 165
22 20 39 59 79 98 118 23 47 70 93 117 140 28 56 85 113 141 169
2.4 20 40 60 80 100 120 24 48 72 55 119 143 29 57 86 115 143 172
2.6 20 41 61 81 102 122 24 49 73 97 122 146 29 58 88 117 146 175
2.8 21 41 62 83 103 124 25 49 74 99 123 148 30 59 89 119 148 178
3 21 42 63 84 105 126 25 50 76 101 126 151 30 61 91 121 I52 182

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 7.5 PH = 8.0 PH = 8.5

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 28 55 83 111 138 166 33 66 99 132 165 198 39 79 118 157 197 236
0.6 29 57 86 114 143 171 34 68 102 136 170 204 41 81 122 163 203 244
0.8 29 58 88 117 146 175 35 70 105 140 175 210 42 84 126 168 210 252
1 30 60 90 119 149 179 36 72 108 144 180 216 43 87 130 173 217 260
1.2 31 61 92 122 153 183 37 74 111 147 184 221 45 89 134 178 223 267
1.4 31 62 94 125 156 187 38 76 114 151 189 227 46 91 137 183 228 274
1.6 32 64 96 128 160 192 39 77 116 155 193 232 47 94 141 187 234 281
1.8 33 65 98 131 163 196 40 79 119 159 198 238 48 96 144 191 239 287
2 33 67 100 133 167 200 41 81 122 162 203 243 49 98 147 196 245 294
2.2 34 68 102 136 170 204 41 83 124 165 207 248 50 100 150 200 250 300
2.4 35 70 105 139 174 209 42 84 127 169 211 253 51 102 153 204 255 306
2.6 36 71 107 142 178 213 43 86 129 172 215 258 52 104 156 208 260 312
2.8 36 72 109 145 181 217 44 88 132 175 219 263 53 106 159 212 265 318
3 37 74 111 147 184 221 45 89 134 179 223 268 54 108 162 216 270 324

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 9.0

mg/L Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 47 93 140 186 233 279

0.6 49 97 146 194 243 291
0.8 50 100 151 201 251 301 Note: CT = CT for 3-log inactivation, or 99.9% removal
1 52 104 156 208 260 312
1.2 53 107 160 213 267 320
1.4 55 110 165 219 274 329
1.6 56 112 169 225 281 337
1.8 58 115 173 230 288 345
2 59 118 177 235 294 353
2.2 60 120 181 241 301 361
2.4 61 123 184 245 307 368
2.6 63 125 188 250 313 375
2.8 64 127 191 255 318 382
3 65 130 195 259 324 389

Water System Training Course: Disinfection 4-14

APPENDIX TABLE 4-3.
CT VALUES FOR INACTIVATION OF GIARDIA CYSTS BY FREE CHLORINE AT 0.5°
10° CC

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 6 PH = 6.5 PH = 7.0

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 12 24 37 49 61 73 15 29 44 59 73 88 17 35 52 69 87 104
0.6 13 25 38 50 63 75 15 30 45 60 75 90 18 36 54 71 89 107
0.8 13 26 39 52 65 78 15 31 46 61 77 92 18 37 55 73 92 110
1 13 26 40 53 66 79 16 31 47 63 78 94 19 37 56 75 93 112
1.2 13 27 40 53 67 80 16 32 48 63 79 95 19 38 57 76 95 114
1.4 14 27 41 55 68 82 16 33 49 65 82 98 19 39 58 77 97 116
1.6 14 28 42 55 69 83 17 33 50 66 83 99 20 40 60 79 99 119
1.8 14 29 43 57 72 86 17 34 51 67 84 101 20 41 61 81 102 122
2 15 29 44 58 73 87 17 35 52 69 87 104 21 41 62 83 103 124
2.2 15 30 45 59 74 89 18 35 53 70 88 105 21 42 64 85 106 127
2.4 15 30 45 60 75 90 18 36 54 71 89 107 22 43 65 86 108 129
2.6 15 31 46 61 77 92 18 37 55 73 92 110 22 44 66 87 109 131
2.8 16 31 47 62 78 93 19 37 56 74 93 111 22 45 67 89 112 134
3 16 32 48 63 79 95 19 38 57 75 94 113 23 46 69 91 114 137

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 7.5 PH = 8.0 PH = 8.5

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2 .5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 21 42 63 83 104 125 25 50 75 99 124 149 30 59 89 118 148 177

0.6 21 43 64 85 107 128 26 51 M 102 128 153 31 61 92 122 153 183
0.8 22 44 66 87 109 131 26 53 79 105 132 158 32 63 95 126 158 189
1 22 45 67 89 112 134 27 54 81 108 135 162 33 65 98 130 163 195
1.2 23 46 69 91 114 137 28 55 83 111 138 166 33 67 100 133 167 200
1.4 23 47 70 93 117 140 28 57 85 113 142 170 34 69 103 137 172 206
1.6 24 48 72 96 120 144 29 58 87 116 145 174 35 70 106 141 176 211
1.8 25 49 74 98 123 147 30 60 90 119 149 179 36 72 108 143 179 215
2 25 50 75 100 125 150 30 61 91 121 152 182 37 74 111 147 184 221
2.2 26 51 M 102 128 153 31 62 93 124 155 186 38 75 113 150 188 225
2.4 26 52 79 105 131 157 32 63 95 127 1 158 190 38 77 115 153 192 230
2.6 27 53 80 107 133 160 32 65 97 129 162 194 39 78 117 156 195 234
2.8 27 54 82 109 136 163 33 66 99 131 164 197 40 80 120 159 199 239
3 28 55 83 111 138 166 34 67 101 134 168 201 41 81 122 162 203 243

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 9.0

mg/L Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 35 70 105 139 174 209

0.6 36 73 109 145 182 218
0.8 38 75 113 151 188 226 Note: CT = CT for 3-log inactivation, or 99.9% removal
1 39 78 117 156 195 234
1.2 40 80 120 160 200 240
1.4 41 82 124 165 206 247
1.6 42 84 127 169 211 253
1.8 43 86 130 173 216 259
2 44 88 133 177 221 265
2.2 45 90 136 181 226 271
2.4 46 92 138 184 230 276
2.6 47 94 141 187 234 281
2.8 48 96 144 191 239 287
3 49 97 146 195 243 292

Water System Training Course: Disinfection 4-15

APPENDIX TABLE 4-4.
CT VALUES FOR INACTIVATION OF GIARDIA CYSTS BY FREE CHLORINE AT 0.5°
15° CC

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 6 PH = 6.5 PH = 7.0

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 8 16 25 33 41 49 10 20 30 39 49 59 12 23 35 47 58 70
0.6 8 17 25 33 42 50 10 20 30 40 50 60 12 24 36 48 60 72
0.8 9 17 26 35 43 52 10 20 31 41 51 61 12 24 37 49 61 73
1 9 18 27 35 44 53 11 21 32 42 53 63 13 25 38 50 63 75
1.2 9 18 27 36 45 54 11 21 32 43 53 64 13 25 38 51 63 76
1.4 9 18 28 37 46 55 11 22 33 43 54 65 13 26 39 52 65 78
1.6 9 19 28 37 47 56 11 22 33 44 55 66 13 26 40 53 66 79
1.8 10 19 29 38 48 57 11 23 34 45 57 68 14 27 41 54 68 81
2 10 19 29 39 49 58 12 23 35 46 58 69 14 28 42 55 69 83
2.2 10 20 30 39 50 59 12 23 35 47 58 70 14 28 43 57 71 85
2.4 10 20 30 40 51 60 12 24 36 48 60 72 14 29 43 57 72 86
2.6 10 20 31 41 51 61 12 24 37 49 61 73 15 29 44 59 73 88
2.8 10 21 31 41 52 62 12 25 37 49 62 74 15 30 45 59 74 89
3 11 21 32 42 53 63 13 25 38 51 63 76 15 30 46 61 76 91

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 7.5 PH = 8.0 PH = 8.5

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 14 28 42 55 69 83 17 33 50 66 83 99 20 39 59 79 98 118
0.6 14 29 43 57 72 86 17 34 51 68 85 102 20 41 61 81 102 122
0.8 15 29 44 59 73 88 18 35 53 70 88 105 21 42 63 84 105 126
1 15 30 45 60 75 90 18 36 54 72 90 108 22 43 65 87 108 130
1.2 15 31 46 61 77 92 19 37 56 74 93 111 22 45 67 89 112 134
1.4 16 31 47 63 78 94 19 38 57 76 95 114 23 46 69 91 114 137
1.6 16 32 48 64 80 96 19 39 58 77 97 116 24 47 71 94 118 141
1.8 16 33 49 65 82 98 20 40 60 79 99 119 24 48 72 96 120 144
2 17 33 50 67 83 100 20 41 61 81 102 122 25 49 74 98 123 147
2.2 17 34 51 68 85 102 21 41 62 83 103 124 25 50 75 100 125 150
2.4 18 35 53 70 88 105 21 42 64 85 106 127 26 51 M 102 128 153
2.6 18 36 54 71 89 107 22 43 65 86 108 129 26 52 78 104 130 156
2.8 18 36 55 73 91 109 22 44 66 88 110 132 27 53 80 106 133 159
3 19 37 56 74 93 111 22 45 67 89 112 134 27 54 81 108 135 162

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 9.0

mg/L Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 23 47 70 93 117 140

0.6 24 49 73 97 122 146
0.8 25 50 76 101 126 151 Note: CT = CT for 3-log inactivation, or 99.9% removal
1 26 52 78 104 130 156
1.2 27 53 80 107 133 160
1.4 28 55 83 110 138 165
1.6 28 56 85 113 141 169
1.8 29 58 87 115 144 173
2 30 59 89 118 148 177
2.2 30 60 91 121 151 181
2.4 31 61 92 123 153 184
2.6 31 63 94 125 157 188
2.8 32 64 96 127 159 191
3 33 65 98 130 163 195

Water System Training Course: Disinfection 4-16

APPENDIX TABLE 4-5.
CT VALUES FOR INACTIVATION OF GIARDIA CYSTS BY FREE CHLORINE AT 0.5°
20° CC

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 6 PH = 6.5 PH = 7.0

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 6 12 18 24 30 36 7 15 22 29 37 44 9 17 26 35 43 52
0.6 6 13 19 25 32 38 8 15 23 30 38 45 9 18 27 36 45 54
0.8 7 13 20 26 33 39 8 15 23 31 38 46 9 18 28 37 46 55
1 7 13 20 26 33 39 8 16 24 31 39 47 9 19 28 37 47 56
1.2 7 13 20 27 33 40 8 16 24 32 40 48 10 19 29 38 48 57
1.4 7 14 21 27 34 41 8 16 25 33 41 49 10 19 29 39 48 58
1.6 7 14 21 28 35 42 8 17 25 33 42 50 10 20 30 39 49 59
1.8 7 14 22 29 36 43 9 17 26 34 43 51 10 20 31 41 51 61
2 7 15 22 29 37 44 9 17 26 35 43 52 10 21 31 41 52 62
2.2 8 15 22 29 37 44 9 18 27 35 44 53 11 21 32 42 53 63
2.4 8 15 23 30 38 45 9 18 27 36 45 54 11 22 33 43 54 65
2.6 8 15 23 31 38 46 9 18 28 37 46 55 11 22 33 44 55 66
2.8 8 16 24 31 39 47 9 19 28 37 47 56 11 22 34 45 56 67
3 8 16 24 31 39 47 10 19 29 38 48 57 11 23 34 45 57 68

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 7.5 PH = 8.0 PH = 8.5

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 10 21 31 41 52 62 12 25 37 49 62 74 15 30 45 59 74 89
0.6 11 21 32 43 53 64 13 26 39 51 64 77 15 31 46 61 77 92
0.8 11 22 33 44 55 66 13 26 40 53 66 79 16 32 48 63 79 95
1 11 22 34 45 56 67 14 27 41 54 68 81 16 33 49 65 82 98
1.2 12 23 35 46 58 69 14 28 42 55 69 83 17 33 50 67 83 100
1.4 12 23 35 47 58 70 14 28 43 57 71 85 17 34 52 69 86 103
1.6 12 24 36 48 60 72 15 29 44 58 73 87 18 35 53 70 88 105
1.8 12 25 37 49 62 74 15 30 45 59 74 89 18 36 54 72 90 108
2 13 25 38 50 63 75 15 30 46 61 76 91 18 37 55 73 92 110
2.2 13 26 39 51 64 77 16 31 47 62 78 93 19 38 57 75 94 113
2.4 13 26 39 52 65 78 16 32 48 63 79 95 19 38 58 77 96 115
2.6 13 27 40 53 67 80 16 32 49 65 81 97 20 39 59 78 98 117
2.8 14 27 41 54 68 81 17 33 50 66 83 99 20 40 60 79 99 119
3 14 28 42 55 69 83 17 34 51 67 84 101 20 41 61 81 102 122

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 9.0

mg/L Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 18 35 53 70 88 105
0.6 18 36 55 73 91 109
0.8 19 38 57 75 94 113 Note: CT = CT for 3-log inactivation, or 99.9% removal
1 20 39 59 78 98 117
1.2 20 40 60 80 100 120
1.4 21 41 62 82 103 123
1.6 21 42 63 84 105 126
1.8 22 43 65 86 108 129
2 22 44 66 88 110 132
2.2 23 45 68 90 113 135
2.4 23 46 69 92 115 138
2.6 24 47 71 94 118 141
2.8 24 48 72 95 119 143
3 24 49 73 97 122 146

Water System Training Course: Disinfection 4-17

APPENDIX TABLE 4-6.
CT VALUES FOR INACTIVATION OF GIARDIA CYSTS BY FREE CHLORINE AT 0.5°
25° CC

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 6 PH = 6.5 PH = 7.0

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 4 8 12 16 20 24 5 10 15 19 24 29 6 12 18 23 29 35
0.6 4 8 13 17 21 25 5 10 15 20 25 30 6 12 18 24 30 36
0.8 4 9 13 17 22 26 5 10 16 21 26 31 6 12 19 25 31 37
1 4 9 13 17 22 26 5 10 16 21 26 31 6 12 19 25 31 37
12 5 9 14 18 23 27 5 11 16 21 27 32 6 13 19 25 32 38
1.4 5 9 14 18 23 27 6 11 17 22 28 33 7 13 20 26 33 39
1.6 5 9 14 19 23 28 6 11 17 22 28 33 7 13 20 27 33 40
1.8 5 10 15 19 24 29 6 11 17 23 28 34 7 14 21 27 34 41
2 5 10 15 19 24 29 6 12 18 23 29 35 7 14 21 27 34 41
2.2 5 10 15 20 25 30 6 12 18 23 29 35 7 14 21 28 35 42
2.4 5 10 15 20 25 30 6 12 18 24 30 36 7 14 22 29 36 43
2.6 5 10 16 21 26 31 6 12 19 25 31 37 7 15 22 29 37 44
2.8 5 10 16 21 26 31 6 12 19 25 31 37 8 15 23 30 38 45
3 5 11 16 2 27 32 6 13 19 25 32 38 8 15 23 31 38 46

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 7.5 PH = 8.0 PH = 8.5

mg/L Log Inactivations Log Inactivations Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 7 14 21 28 35 42 8 17 25 33 42 50 10 20 30 39 49 59
0.6 7 14 22 29 36 43 9 17 26 34 43 51 10 20 31 41 51 61
0.8 7 15 22 29 37 44 9 18 27 35 44 53 11 21 32 42 53 63
1 8 15 23 30 38 45 9 18 27 36 45 54 11 22 33 43 54 65
1.2 8 15 23 31 38 46 9 18 28 37 46 55 11 22 34 45 56 67
1.4 8 16 24 31 39 47 10 19 29 38 48 57 12 23 35 46 58 69
1.6 8 16 24 32 40 48 10 19 29 39 48 58 12 23 35 47 58 70
1.8 8 16 25 33 41 49 10 20 30 40 50 60 12 24 36 48 60 72
2 8 17 25 33 42 50 10 20 31 41 51 61 12 25 37 49 62 74
2.2 9 17 26 34 43 51 10 21 31 41 52 62 13 25 38 50 63 75
2.4 9 17 26 35 43 52 11 21 32 42 53 63 13 26 39 51 64 77
2.6 9 18 27 35 44 53 11 22 33 43 54 65 13 26 39 52 65 78
2.8 9 18 27 36 45 54 11 22 33 44 55 66 13 27 40 53 67 80
3 9 18 28 37 46 55 11 22 34 45 56 67 14 27 41 54 68 81

Chlorine
Concentration PH < 9.0

mg/L Log Inactivations

<=
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

0.4 12 23 35 47 58 70
0.6 12 24 37 49 61 73
0.8 13 25 38 50 63 75 Note: CT = CT for 3-log inactivation, or 99.9% removal
1 13 26 39 52 65 78
1.2 13 27 40 53 67 80
1.4 14 27 41 55 68 82
1.6 14 28 42 56 70 84
1.8 14 29 43 57 72 86
2 15 29 44 59 73 88
2.2 15 30 45 60 75 90
2.4 15 31 46 61 77 92
2.6 16 31 47 63 78 94
2.8 16 32 48 64 80 96
3 16 32 49 65 81 97

Water System Training Course: Disinfection 4-18